The latest Eat Out Restaurant Experience Survey, powered by YOCO, has dished the state of South Africa’s dining scene.
Ranging from mobile eateries to full-service restaurants, with insights from 1,484 diners and 271 food establishment owners across the country, this year’s survey reveals a vibrant, fast-evolving industry, one foot in tradition and the other sprinting toward innovation.
One message stands out clearly from the survey: great food reigns supreme, but it’s not enough on its own. Diners seek a complete experience, including warm service, inviting spaces, and value for money. On the other hand, restaurateurs face the challenge of navigating tightening margins, evolving trends, and staying relevant.
Where and why customers are dining out
This year’s survey reveals that the nation values comfort and convenience. Cafés and coffee shops are go-to spots for catch-ups and quick pit stops, while bakeries and delis offer easy and affordable meal options. Family and casual dining restaurants continue to dominate social outings, with more than half of diners visiting at least once a month. Fine dining still holds its appeal, but mostly as an occasional treat rather than a regular habit, due to its high costs and refined nature.
Dining trends vary between regions. The Western Cape has seen casual restaurants surpass fast food, while Gauteng has seen that speed and convenience still hold strong.
When it comes to choosing where to eat, food quality is the deal breaker. Customers (95%) cite their top reason for returning is food quality, followed by affordability (71%), location (69%), and service (66%). Atmosphere matters too. Customers (85%) mention that ambience is essential, with cleanliness, comfortable seating, and music or live entertainment all adding to the appeal.
What keeps customers coming back
The survey found that service and consistency are what keep customers coming back. Customers generously reward food establishments that provide reliable quality, friendly service, and a sense of welcoming. It’s more about a great meal; it’s about how the whole experience makes customers feel.
Co-founder of Yoco says, “Success lies in knowing your customer and evolving with them.” He adds, “By recognising trends and adapting to customer behaviour, restaurant owners can create memorable experiences that keep diners coming back.”
In the age of digital noise, word of mouth still comes out on top, with 80% of customers saying that a personal recommendation is their top influence when trying out a new place. Online reviews come in second, especially when they reinforce great service and consistent quality.
Trending menus
Diners are looking for more than just a plate of food; they’re looking for purpose and personality.
- Health-conscious meals: Nutritious, wellness-driven options are growing in popularity, especially with younger diners.
- Locally sourced ingredients: Customers, particularly in the Western Cape, are placing value on sustainability, provenance, and proudly South African ingredients.
- Immersive dining experiences: Diners in Gauteng are seeking more than just a meal; tasting menus, chef’s tables, and interactive concepts are proving to turn an ordinary night out into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Challenges that business owners face
Load shedding, rising food costs, staffing pressures, and seasonality continue to challenge South African restaurateurs, even the most established venues. Specifically, sit-down restaurants report struggling with stock control, wage costs, and price-sensitive customers. Takeaway business owners battle capital constraints and unpredictable trade volumes.
The survey shows that around 30% of turnover goes to staff wages for many owners, a figure that’s difficult to sustain in a market where consumer spending is tight. Although customers tip regularly (around 88%), operational costs are still outpacing returns.
Technology is another challenge. Many business owners (more than 59%) are looking to integrate seamless payment experiences to match their culinary offerings.
Turn insights into culinary action
The survey has a clear message: customer loyalty is earned through consistency, care, and adaptability. Business owners who invest in service, stay on top of trends, and build strong local reputations are better positioned to weather unpredictable storms and thrive in the long term.
South Africans still love to eat out. Wazen states that “The South African dining scene is alive with flavour, innovation, and grit.” “At Yoco, we’re proud to be part of that journey, helping businesses grow, adapt, and thrive one plate (and payment) at a time.”
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